March Fit Model of The Month – Tatum

We are excited to announce Tatum as our March Fit Model of the Month! Tatum is a wellness enthusiast, avid volunteer, and is interested in interior design, cooking, and travel. Continue reading to hear more about Tatum and her modeling journey.

1. Where are you from?

I am from Newport, Rhode Island. It is about 4 hours outside of New York City. My hometown is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world and I feel grateful to be able to come back here and call it home. 

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

Some of my hobbies and interests include traveling, cooking, the wellness space (yoga, pilates, meditation) and interior design. I’ve always been fascinated with interior decorating and since having my own NYC apartment to design, I’ve been experimenting with different styles and my passion for it has grown. I also love traveling and seeing new parts of the world- my favorite place to go is definitely Italy. Trying the different cuisines and wine throughout my travels to Europe has sparked my passion for food, wine, and eating well. 

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

I have only worked with 1 fit client since the start of my modeling career and this was Bode NYC. They are such a talented and creative group of people and it’s been a pleasure working with them. 

4. Dreams/goals, anything else of interest?

For some time, my goal was to become a signed model and eventually live in Manhattan. My dream after graduating from my University was to live in New York City; I have always been so fascinated by the fast paced lifestyle, melting pot of cultures, and all of resources it offers in order to achieve your dreams. It feels like everything and anything is possible in this city. Now that I have relocated here and achieved that for myself, my current goal is to further my modeling career in all aspects (fit, ecomm, print, etc), enhance my portfolio, continue to create a solid reputation for myself in the industry, and truly take advantage of every opportunity I am exposed to. I am looking forward to meeting and creating lasting relationships with new clients, with a few of my dream clients being Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta. A few other career/ life aspirations I have are to possibly get my real estate license, earn my Sommelier license, and learn Italian. 

5. Fit/modeling career highlights 

I feel fortunate to have earned amazing opportunities within the modeling space since signing with BICOASTAL MGMT! Some of my career highlights so far would have to be booking a showroom job for Aeffe, where the location was Saks Fifth Ave. Saks is such an iconic New York venue, so it was a definite “pinch me” moment. I presented the most stunning looks from designers like Philosophy & Moschino and had the best time. My fit modeling career highlights are definitely with my more consistent client, Bode NY. Bode produces beautiful & unique tailor-made garments while basing a lot of their designs off of vintage/ sustainable pieces, which is something I admire. They are such a creative and detail oriented group of people and fitting for them has taught me so much about the fashion industry as a whole. Bode is paving the way for women’s entrepreneurs in the menswear industry and i’m grateful to be a part of it. 

6. How did you get into fit modeling?

I got introduced to fit modeling by my amazing agency! Prior to signing with BICOASTAL MGMT, I was not aware of how crucial fit models are to clients and how lucrative it is. Since booking fittings with clients such as Bode, I have become more exposed to the fit modeling industry and can’t wait to meet more talented clients and artists. 

Model of the Month – Janine T

We are thrilled to have our star on the rise, Janine T, as our March Model of the Month. From Project Runway to Prada – Janine does it all! Continue reading to learn more about Janine, what inspires her, and her dream clients!

1. Where you are from?
I am originally from Brooklyn NY.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
I enjoy reading and the results of exercise. I studied art (fashion illustration, story boarding, children’s illustrations – it was my favorite). I also love trying new things by giving myself goals aka resolutions. One year was getting back into ballet, another was boxing. Just recently I did swimming lessons and this year is belly dance! Anything to break up my comfort zone.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

My favorite clients have definitely been the Alexander Wang team (love their vibe and energy), Shake and Go – always hard work but fun days, and I enjoyed working with the Marist Fashion Department (always so exciting to see creativity from the ground up with a student’s perspective and their nerves about their designs heartwarming because we’ve all been there). With Fuzzi, Cedric Charlier and recently Moschino, always love our adventures from day to day with my AEFFE family.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

Everyone who knows me knows that my ultimate dream client would be Chloé, I have followed the brand since Karl Largerfeld was creative director followed through with Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and then Clare Waight Keller and now Natcha Ramsay- Levi and still I fall in love collection by collection. Zimmerman is another client that I would love to work with, something about getting the opportunity to work with an utterly feminine brand – same with Ulla Johnson. And to work with the timelessness that is Ralph Lauren and DVF, I would die! Let’s also not forget about Richard Tisci, everything he touches is golden! But there are so many creatives and so many different fields to choose from, I want to do it all!

5. Career highlights?

I really loved my Prada x Elle webtorial still one of my highlights, great team, great work and a feeling of satisfaction was definitely met with that one. Project Runway was really lovely to work with not only did it introduce me to television but also the production and all the work that comes with that. I also made and kept a lot of friends I cherish.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?

I was originally scouted but it didn’t turn out to well. I dabbled a bit afterward but it wasn’t until I actually volunteering with the CFDA and happened to be able to watch the show I was helping out with. It was Anna Sui and it opened up with this dance number and after the little dance Karlie Kloss steps out and just struts down that runway, I was so in awe and so inspired, I really wanted to be that strong and confident. She was my major inspiration that started me modeling I wanted to have that presence, plus my love of seeing things from beginning to end also gave me the drive to go into it. I love to follow a process and see it’s outcomes and to be surrounded by all the creative facets that involve modeling it’s what keeps me inspired.

Model of the Month – Jason Steel

We’re so happy to have the versatile Jason as our September Model of the Month. From being the perfect 32/M fit model, to booking editorials, commercials, and print, there’s not much Jason can’t do! Continue reading to learn more about Jason:

1. Where you are from?

I’m from Westchester, New York.

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?

I’m into art. I love to sketch on my iPad or paper – mostly portraits. I also love anything fitness-related – the beach, swimming, training, skateboarding, snow boarding, all of it!

3. Favorite clients from the biz?

My favorite client has been Versace they booked me really often – sometimes twice a day – and they always had a full kitchen 😍

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

I would love to work with Diesel or H&M, something where my face would be everywhere for a while – that would be dope.

5. Career highlights?

Being featured in Paper magazine was definitely a career highlight. Love their style and the article they wrote.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?

I had a lot of friends who were modeling at the time and they kept saying I could do it too, so I submitted everywhere and Elite Miami signed me and got me signed in New York.

BICOASTAL MGMT // NYFW

So proud of our models and to participate in NYFW again – check out a few highlights below!

Janine for XY

Flo for Jasmine

Janine for Ozlana

Janine for Profanity

Janine and Elyse for XY

Elyse for XY

Elyse for Ozlana

Brieanna for Romeo Hunte

Janine for Ozlana

Elyse for Ozlana

Victoria fitting for Zac Posen

Janine for Ozlana

Flo for Jasmine

Model of the Month – Rick F.

Introducing Rick – our expert sports/fitness fit model and also talented, and versatile Print, Runway, and Commerical model – as our July Model of the Month! Read below to see how he got started and how his background in athletics has turned out to be useful in his modeling career!

1. Where you are from?
Boston, Massachussetts

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
I have an athletic background and always had a love for sports. I lettered in basketball and football in high school and even played a little college football. After college, I still had the urge to stay in athletics so I coached. It was a great experience and I loved every moment of it.

3. Favorite clients from the biz?
DICK’S Sporting Goods, Reebok, New Balance, Converse and Puma.

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

A goal and dream of mine is to shoot a national campaign/commercial for Macy’s or Nike.

5. Career highlights?
Shooting for DICK’S Sporting Goods, fitting withReebok, New Balance, Converse and Puma.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?
Kind of fell into modeling as a side gig as I was finishing college. The head Photographer at Karmaloop spotted me while I was at work. Karmaloop ultimately became my first gig and the rest is history.

 

Hannah Berner: Model, Actor + Producer

We are so happy we got to chat with Hannah, the multi-talented fit, commercial, print, and fitness model – and most recently – video producer and comedian for the infamous Betches Instagram account. Continue reading to learn more about Hannah and how she got started!

We love watching you on Betches! How did you fall into this?

Thanks so much! I was at a desk job questioning my life purpose and crying in the bathroom when I decided I needed to quit and reevaluate my career path. I asked myself what I would do if money wasn’t an issue and it was to create funny videos. I had no idea how I could do this, but I applied to a video internship and started to hone my video editing skills. Out of nowhere, a model I had met at an Adidas photoshoot (that Bicoastal booked for me) reached out to me saying that he was working for a brand called Betches who was looking for a video producer with 5 years experience. I laughed and said I’m not a good fit, but I submitted a funny video anyway. They called me into their office and said that they will start me as a freelancer. 7 months later, I was officially hired as the first video producer at Betches. Since starting the video department, I’ve increased video views from 2.2 million views in Q3 2016 to 155 million views in Q3 2017. I love creating new ideas to make my friends and family laugh everyday.

Tell us a little bit about your other talents – sports, hosting, improv? What do you enjoy most?

I grew up around sports including basketball, golf, softball, and tennis. At 12 years old I decided to focus on tennis and ended up playing for the University of Wisconsin and playing professionally for a bit. After tennis, I worked as a sports broadcaster for the University of Wisconsin Athletics, so I would interview basketball, soccer, and track teams and then edit their highlight reels. Since I’ve been little, I’ve always been very silly and outgoing, so comedy was a natural step for me to use my experience in video and hard work ethic from sports to create funny content. Sports, hosting, and comedy are all different ways for me to express myself, whether it is physically or verbally. I think it’s healthy to find a lot of different hobbies and never define yourself by just one thing. Everyone is multifaceted and you can surprise yourself by finding out you are passionate about a new hobby or skill.

Tell us about your experience as a fit model with Bicoastal – what are some highlights/favorite clients?

As a fit model, I’ve worked for Hanes, Urban Outfitters, Elie Tahari, MM La Fleur, One Jeans Group. I love fit modeling because I really enjoy being a part of the creative process. I feel like a fly on the wall while serious decisions are being made about the length of a dress that will be sold in thousands of stores or something as little as the color of a button. It’s also pretty cool to go around and brag to my friends that my body has perfect proportions and then they tell me to shut up.

Do you have any particular favorite sketches? And why? 

I do! I love to expose the reality behind social media and make fun of the fake personas that can make people feel insecure with online. During this time of social media, it’s important not to compare yourselves to someone else’s highlight reel. Let’s be serious, we are all in yoga pants with no makeup on scrolling our Instagram feed majority of the time. I made this video joking about fitness influencers:

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A post shared by Betches Media (@betches)

To see more of Hannah’s great posts and videos, make sure to follow @betches!

SPOTLIGHT NEW-SIGN: Gilbert Costache

1. Where you are from?

I am from Romania though I have worked in this industry for the past 10 years in some of the main fashion capitals of the world such as: Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Istanbul and New York.

2. How did you start modeling?

When I was 16, a scout discovered me in Bucharest, Romania. I was in Madrid, Spain when I really started modeling, so at 19 I quit soccer to commit to being signed to multiple fashion agencies.

3. What you are into besides modeling/fashion?

I am an actor. I am a licensed life-coach and I believe that it is very important to have the resources, the context and to find the right path to follow for the rest of our lives. I consider myself a simple, honest human being who appreciates quality in life. My hobbies include reading, dancing and generally having a sense of humor (I love stand-up comedy and jokes). I play soccer often and I practice yoga. I have also written novels and I enjoy philosophy.

4. Favorite clients you have worked with?

Dsquared, Dior, Adidas, Zara, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Guess, Armani, Calvin Klein.

5. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?

To spend my time writing books. I also dream of acting for the movie I am writing. More fashion campaigns.

6. Career highlights?

Music clips in Romania and Spain with the best singers there. Catalogs in Turkey , Istanbul. Catalogs in Spain. Catwalks for Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry. Tv commercial for Nike. Tv commercial for Heineken. Walking runway for some great designers internationally.

7. Awesome! Do you have any notable Fashion Week experiences?

When I was in Europe, I walked in shows for Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger and when I was in Romania I worked with some of their best designers.

To keep up with Gilbert make sure to check out his website and follow him on Instagram!

#MeToo ft. Merideth Morgan

No matter how you feel about the #MeToo movement, you definitely can’t miss it. It’s clear that the current climate has made it possible for people to come forward with what they consider shameful secrets, and place the shame where it rightfully belongs. But one also has to wonder if the more we hear about it, the more we become desensitized and consider it a norm, and then take it for granted that it’ll never change.

We are all feminists here, don’t get us wrong! Humanists, actually. We just hope the movement creates respect, not apathy. We’re so proud of our models who shared their stories for their bravery and support to the movement.

Check out our plus model/blogger new-sign, Merideth, who incorporated this into her blog recently. We loved it so much, we had to share – she touches on her experience and how it affects her day to day life, read about it here (click!).

Also check out the rest of her blog which touches on plus fashion, health, and more. We’re so happy to have the gorgeous (inside and out) Merideth on our boards!

BICOASTAL X PROJECT RUNWAY

Project Runway has returned for it’s 16th season – but this time, with some Bicoastal MGMT models under their belt! So far this season, Janine T. has taken the runway by storm – see below for some highlights!

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Make sure to tune in to see some of our other gorgeous models in the finale!

Model of the Month: John Strand

We are so excited to have the charming, handsome, and talented John Strand as our June Model of the Month! Continue reading to learn some more about John, his favorite clients, his experience as a print, commercial, fit, and runway model, (and musician!) and it all started!

1. Where you are from?
Los Angeles, California

2. What you are into… studies, hobbies, special skills etc..?
I’m a big fan of Sherlock Holmes and Tom Clancy novels..I was a gymnast as a young child and enjoyed playing many sports growing up, from swimming and tennis to varsity high school basketball. I was classically trained on the piano and vocals since I was 10 years old, and I actually fronted a touring indie rock band as a lead singer/keyboardist and songwriter/band manager from 15 into my early 20s. Music is still the magic that fuels my creative ethos.

3. Favorite clients from the biz? 
Fave clients..Armani, Burberry, John Varvatos are a few of my all time favorite designers, and working for them is always an honor.. Trina

Turk / Mr Turk are personal friends and I’ve modeled for their men’s collection for years, and actually love the pieces!

4. Dreams/goals any thing else of interest (any other dream clients?)?
I am a consummate dreamer…I’ve been enticed and empowered by many forms of creative expression, and my goals are as broad as they are bold. As an enthusiastic lover of fashion and a working model, a major goal is an international campaign for an elite designer like Dolce & Gabbana..which ironically was the brand that launched one of my career heroes David Gandy, who broke barriers in the field, which I also aspire to do. I also hope to return to the music industry as a performer and songwriter, in tandem with my expanding work as a model and actor.

5. Career highlights?
I’ve been blessed with a number of amazing experiences in multiple disciplines of the creative/media industries, from being the first male model to walk for Project Runway’s Michael Costello in Fashion Week, to leading a band performance in front of almost 10,000 people, to filming lead roles for Nicki Minaj, Uniqlo, the Discovery Channel, and more. Shadowing Kevin Spacey was also pretty rad.

6. How did you get into modeling or acting?
I was scouted into modeling by a talent agency that obtained a few promo images I had taken as a teenager while fronting my rock band..within a few weeks I was published in a regional magazine and booked a runway show, and the rest, as they say, is history…